SNR-based design technique for broadband LNAs

Abstract

A methodology to design low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) with wideband noise and input matching is described. The design technique is based on optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the overall receiver. Based on the proposed approach, a broadband single-ended cascade LNA, intended for a multi-standard wireless communication system operating in the frequency band of 1.4-2.5 GHz, is designed and simulated in a 0.18 mum CMOS technology. The power gain of the LNA is 14.1 dB and its maximum in-band noise figure is less than 0.8 dB. The input and output return losses (s11 and s22) are less than -10 dB over the entire frequency band of interest. Minimum in-band third-order input intercept point (IIP3) and 1 dB gain compression point are -11.5 dBm and -1 dBm, respectively. The LNA consumes 11.9 mW from a 1.5 V supply